I’m all for huge, hairy, audacious dreams but I’m also for practicality. Quitting your day job to pursue music without setting yourself up for success first is a recipe for disaster. Like Benjamin Franklin said: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

So if you’re thinking about quitting your day job to chase your dreams, give this session a listen first.

Drummer’s Resource Podcast is free thanks to support from:

DW Drums: I’ve been playing DW for years…not only because they make high-quality, handcrafted drums but because they support and foster drumming initiatives all over the wold, much like this podcast. I’m thrilled to announce that DW has signed on to support Drummer’s Reosource for 2016! Be sure to check them out today at DWDrums.com.

Musicians Institute: Tackle your technique hangups by having experts address topics such as grips, independence, coordination, mobility and creativity. The Drum Technique courses offered by The Drum Program at Musicians Institute will set you on the right path to growth. Learn more at MI.edu

Dream Cymbals: Dream Cymbals will be visiting Dream dealers all across North America this fall with the Dream Cymbals Tasting Tour! This is a unique opportunity to hear a huge number of dream cymbals in person with your own ears! (Each of these events will last anywhere from 7-14 days and have at least 70 cymbals available or purchase!) If you have ever been curious to hear what the hype is about with these new fairly priced cymbals now is your chance to do so with your own ears! Find a Tasting Tour event near you at DreamCymbals.com

Yeah, f*****g true…being through such mistake, but I want to say, the bigger the dream, the bigger the effort to reach it. It´s much worthed to go through it and spit blood instead of convincing you that “one day it will happen”… I am more practical about: Just F****g go for it, if not, a daily “gig” will appear, somehow.

Thanks for the continuous advice and encouragement Nick. I’m 57 and preparing to transition from my 30 plus year career to an active gigging schedule when I retire in the next 3-5 years. I’ve upped my playing with multiple bands (at least 4-6 gigs a month), been working on improving my skills, learning about and using social media and making sure I stock up on the things I won’t be as able to afford when my monetary income goes down. It’s a drain on my available time outside work, but I want to be ready to roll when I put in my retirement paperwork. And, in keeping with your advice about not taking my time here on Earth for granted, I’m living more of the dream every day–right now.